Thread: Doing alterations to an Indian/Bollywood skirt

I bought a 3-piece dance costume from an Indian shop for a Bollywood dance performance I'm doing in December. I'm only a beginner so this is the first time I've worn anything like this.

The problem is that the costumes were all one size fits all and I have quite a small body. The skirt is way too big and long for me and I know I would trip on it if I don't do some alterations on it! I need some advice on what I could or should do. The pattern at the bottom of the skirt would allow me to take it up about 7cm/3 inches without it being noticeable, but I wouldn't want to cut it off so I'd just hand sew it up. Is this a good idea? I'm thinking it would possibly affect the 'smoothness' of the skirt and reduce the flowing effect as it swirls around, etc.

The other thing is I have such a small waist that I have to pull the drawstring so hard it bunches up at the top. I was thinking of getting a professional to replace it with elastic instead and also take about 1 inch off waistband area as well. I'm not much of a sewer, so I don't know if this will look better or not.

Would appreciate any ideas, advice or suggestions!!!

If you can post some pics I can advise you. It would be easy to take a few pleats at the top of the skirt maybe or if you can sew a bit I can tell you how to resize it.
Andrea
Genuis seamstress

Thanks for your reply.

Here's a picture of the skirt!

I'm not a good sewer but I know people who are, or I can take it to a seamstress and explain what I'd like done to it. I'm assuming the average seamstress doesn't know about Indian dancing skirts so that's why I'd like to get some advice or ideas here first.

Because I'm so short I think I would have to take it up to the bottom of the lowest circle. Is it better to have the skirt a little shorter so you don't trip on it, or a little longer so it looks better? I really have no clue!

I was also thinking of folding the waistband over and sewing it down that way - could get rid of about an inch.

Would appreciate any ideas you might have!